11/09/18
Roister is know as the more casual, eclectic sister restaurant to the renowned Alinea in Chicago. Run by the same chefs, but definitely more laid back and inexpensive than Alinea, Roister sits in a cool space off of Fulton on Chicago's West Side. It is mostly small plates, with a couple larger options. We went with small plates and got this dish in addition to the lasagna, pork butt, and squash. All are worth ordering (pork butt was especially good) but these noodles really stood out. They are homemade, cut rather rustically, and had a good toothiness. They are coated in a truly delicious soy/chili ragu that would be good on just about anything. Tossed in with the pasta are fresh clams and octopus. Little bits of lime are scattered throughout and it is topped with mint that brightens everything up. This was an awesome dish that we'll order every time we are back if it is on the ever-changing menu. But you can't go wrong with anything at Roister. Reservations are tough to snag and require a deposit.